7 Essential Tips for First Time Campers

As a first time camper, there is a lot you need to know to ensure a trouble-free camping experience. It is not as hard as you think to enjoy your camping adventure.

One may avoid common mistakes by learning from smart campers on how it’s done and what to look out for.

Follow along as we discuss seven essential tips for first-time campers.

Tip No 1 – Have an Essentials Checklist Handy

Some of you may think of checklists as an old-fashioned way of keeping tabs of important tasks. But, they are very handy when it comes to planning your first camping adventure.

If you don’t have one, you may end up forgetting important items, such as your toothbrush or sleeping gear. What if you forgot to bring toilet paper? Can you imagine the predicament you’ll be in?

Get into the habit of checking off the items you pack, then revise this list once you’re done to ensure nothing is left at home.

Tip No 2 – Choosing the Proper Gear and Testing It

If you want no hiccups during your first camping trip, be sure to settle for top quality gear and equipment. One of the first pieces of equipment that comes to mind is a tent. Ensure you keep space and comfort in mind when choosing one.

You may want to set up a tent in your backyard to ensure you know how everything pans out. This way you can see if there are any tent pegs missing before you head out to camp.

Tip No 3 – Choosing Where You Will Be Camping

Novice campers should opt for places that are close to their homes. As a first time camper, you do not want to be faced with an unexpected predicament such as getting rained out or discovering that you didn’t pack enough food. On the other hand, after camping out for one night, you may discover that camping is not for you and head back home. It is not a shame to bail out. Professional campers can attest to this situation as it happened to them too.

Also, be sure to choose camping grounds where you’ll have sufficient network coverage. During an emergency, you can reach out to medical services. It is best to play it safe as a newbie camper and venture to faraway places once you are more experienced.

Tip No 4 – Pack the Right Camping Equipment

We take it for granted that you know how to pack the basic items such as your tent, food, and a sleeping bag.

Below are other essentials to help you survive your planned camping trip:

Fire and lighting equipment – You need a good quality gas stove in case of an energy failure. Matches or a lighter are essential should you have to resort to natural fire. Ensure you have a dependable source of light to get you through the evenings. Having a lamp and a flashlight is imperative.

Earbuds – You will realize that the outdoors are much louder than you expected them to be. It is suggested that you pack yourself the best wireless earbuds so you may cancel out noise while listening to your favorite tunes.

All-in-one cutting knife – An all-purpose knife is a must-have for slicing through food. So is a small axe when you need to cut wood.

First aid kit – Many people forget to pack a first aid kit. But, even the slightest scrape or burn can become problematic when you are away from home. This way you can minimize damages of any kind.

Tissues – Make use of a packet of tissues rather than rolls of tissue as the latter are more likely to get damaged. Tissues are very useful for most things but especially handy for cleaning purposes.

Neck pillow – For an even more comfortable sleeping experience, pack yourself the best neck pillow for ultimate comfort

Tip No 5 – Reach the Camping Grounds Early

Novice campers are usually unfamiliar with the rules and campground facilities. Therefore, it is suggested they arrive earlier so they can learn about the grounds layout and camping rules.

Tip No 6 – Pay Attention to Fire Safety

Do not neglect to learn about fire safety before setting off on a camping trip. This is essential if you wish to cook over a fire or to simply stay warm while sitting around the fire pit.

Be sure you know how to start a fire safely and take the necessary steps to keep it controlled.

Bear in mind that one shouldn’t start a campfire during instances where the surrounding areas are too dry. The chances of a fire starting are too high.

Also, you need to check if starting a fire is allowed where you’re camping. Do not hack into trees that have been around for years already. Instead, look for pieces of wood or broken branches that are lying around near your campsite.

Always douse the fire you started before you leave the site or when you go to bed.

Tip No 7 – Taking Care of the Environment

Finally, just as important is to consider the vegetation and animal life surrounding your camping grounds. Make it your mission to clean up once you leave and ensure the campground is left in a good state for future campers to enjoy.

Discard trash in the designated places. Any rubbish or leftover food you accumulated needs to be put into trash bags and disposed of in designated areas. Tins or small pieces of packaging can be detrimental to wildlife. Besides, it will look terrible when others get to visit the area.

Refrain from using chemicals in the water. We know it’s important to clean yourself, but do not make use of soap or shampoo in the nearby streams or rivers as these will be harmful to the fauna and flora as well as any wildlife that lives in the water.

Rather, utilize a bucket or bowl that you place on the ground for cleaning yourself. Others may not even notice that you skipped a day where you didn’t clean yourself. It’s likely they haven’t cleaned themselves either.

There you have it. The bottom line is to be prepared as a first-time camper, consider your environment, and leave the camping grounds the way you would like to find it.